Parameter optimization and simulation verification of polyurea/ceramic bionic staggered composite structures

The optimization of the contradiction between the toughness and strength of nacre has become a focus of attention for material researchers. In the present work, objective functions for several parameters, such as tablet shape (flat and wavy), dimensions (length, thickness, dovetail angle), mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity, shear modulus), overlap length of layers, and matrix thickness, were established from the three basic mechanical properties of the bionic mother-of-pearl structure (stiffness, strength, and toughness). Subsequently, the objective function was iteratively optimized using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA II) based on the constraint function. Finally, a numerical simulation model was developed using the key parameters derived from the structural optimization to investigate the penetration performance of a 12.7 mm projectile on different structures. Comparing the damage failure scenario, penetration resistance, ballistic performance, and energy absorption efficiency of different structures, it was found that after parameter optimization, wave-staggered composite plate reduced the penetration depth by 31.61 %, improved the ballistic limit by 27.21 %, and enhanced the energy absorption efficiency of ceramic by 8.30 % compared to the block plate.